Page 169 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
targets at sea or in harbour. These operations entail engaging the
enemy from the sea. Interdiction operations will be conducted to divert,
disrupt, or destroy the enemy before inflicting damages to friendly
forces. Some of the measures may include enforcing economic sanction
via an embargo of a particular country’s international trade.

Containment

These are the operations to restrict the freedom of action of enemy
forces. By threatening an adversary’s critical vulnerabilities, it is possible
to force the diversion of their maritime forces in to defensive role, thus
preventing their use of the offensive operations.

Blockade

Traditionally, a blockade could be established by a maritime force
against the coast and ports of its enemy to prevent vessels entering and
leaving the enemy coastal states. Blockade is an act of war. A vessel that
breaches the blockade is liable to be attacked. This expression is used
more broadly to mean a combat operation carried out to prevent access
to, or departure from the coast or waters of a hostile state.

Barrier Operations and Defended Areas

Barrier operations may be conducted where geography and/or
oceanography combine to create a focal area that can be closed to
an adversary. Similarly, the requirement to concentrate forces in one
particular locality may mean that defended area of operations are the
most effective method for their protection. Generally defence in depth is
the most effective approach to the problem, with units allocated sectors
based on the ability of their organic sensors and weapons to contribute
to the force. Defensive mine fields in choke points can be particularly
effective mechanism for achieving this aim.

150 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea